Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Cahokia) tweeted “On my small business tour, I have had the opportunity to meet with various organizations. I'd like to thank Call for Help and Educational Concepts Unlimited, Inc for their hard work and dedication to the members in the community. Take advantage of local resources near you!”  

Rep. Martin McLaughlin (R-Barrington Hills) tweeted “After wasting time & taxpayers $$, looks like the new maps that Guv & Dems approved at the last minute violate the allowable standards. Maps are so egregious that their miss is around 3x what's legally allowed. That's like hitting the target 3 rows down, not your own. Thx JB!  

Rep. Nick Smith (D-Chicago) tweeted “Happy #AgDay at the @ILStateFair I'm delighted to share that HB 3218 has been signed by @GovPritzker. This bill ensures high schoolers that agricultural science courses will be accepted by all public universities in Illinois.”  

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted “Last night, I joined @SenatorSara6 State Senator to host a reception for some of our local CPS principals. So grateful for these hardworking professionals and all they do for our community and our kids. A big thank you to Cubbington's Cabinet for sharing your beautiful patio!” 

Sen. Rachelle Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) issued a statement after former Sen. Bill Haine died on Monday. Crowe replaced Haine in the Senate.  

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “ There would be no medical cannabis program in IL without Bill Haine (and @HonLouLang). I spent many, many hours in a room negotiating language with him. Despite his background in the "law & order" sect, he was wise and compassionate. He will be missed.”   

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted “There is agreement on the provisions needed to save our nuclear fleet. Lawmakers must return to Springfield to pass legislation that includes these provisions. If we don’t act now Byron & Dresden will close. Their closure will have consequences for ratepayers & the environment.”  

Rep. Natalie Manley (D-Joliet) tweeted “House Bill 848 was signed into law to extend the scratch-off lottery ticket to continue raising funds for Alzheimer's care, support, education and awareness in Illinois.”  

Gov. JB Pritzker on Monday formally requested the U.S. Small Business Administration to conduct an assessment of Ford County to review the damage associated with the Aug. 12 storm that resulted in nine inches of rain falling in and around Gibson City. The assessment could provide residents with access to federal financial assistance.  

Pritzker’s office on Monday announced hometowns of the sixth and final winners of the state’s $100,000 COVID-19 vaccine lottery. The winners, who will receive $100,000 cash prizes, included two residents of Chicago and a resident of St. Charles. The final lottery will take place on Aug. 18, when two $1 million case prizes will be handed out, as well as 17 scholarships for kids.  

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter included a photo of himself at the groundbreaking for the Webster Avenue Bridge rehabilitation project. “The Chicago Department of Transportation's commitment to this preservation will assist in the future growth of the area surrounding the river's North Branch,” Hopkins wrote.  

Ald. Raymond Lopez (15) retweeted a statement from Mayor Lori Lightfoot about a shooting that left a 7-year-old girl dead and her 6-year-old sister wounded and wrote “’Gangs’ & ‘declare war on these killers’ - Lightfoot needs to sit down before she hurts herself. She NEVER uttered the word gangs until last week. She has worked w/ them time & time again, and is only now realizing they are monsters she can’t control. Too late.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a WTTW article about the city’s finances and tweeted, “The council, Budget Committee, should be meeting weekly to discuss how we are going to deal with this budget gap as well as future gaps.” 

Ald. Matt Martin (47) shared a CNN article about the cost of childcare and tweeted, “We've known that we've had a child care crisis for decades. The pandemic has made it even more clear. We know what the solutions are. Now, let's make them happen.” 

Ald. Harry Osterman (48) in his latest newsletter wrote that beginning Friday, Foster Avenue is set to be closed between Broadway and Winthrop Avenue to allow for demolition of a viaduct. Closure of the road and sidewalks is expected to last through Monday.

The Chicago Department of Public Health, Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Design Museum of Chicago announced on Monday they are “getting creative” in a campaign to encourage Chicagoans to get vaccinated against COVID-19 by working with 80 local artists to design art with themes including health, vitality and vaccine distribution. The first 26 pieces of art were unveiled Monday, including pieces from Hector Duarte, Dont Fret, Langston Allston and Penny Pinch. The art is set to be featured on billboards throughout the city and on artists’ and the city’s social media channels. 

David Orr of Good Government Illinois and Alisa Kaplan of Reform for Illinois will moderate a virtual panel discussion at 7 p.m. next Thursday, Aug. 26 to discuss ethics and the Cook County Board of Review with former Illinois House Majority Leader Barbara Flynn Currie, former Cook County Board of Ethics member Juliet Sorensen and Cunningham Township Assessor Wayne Williams. Online registration is required. 

The Metropolitan Planning Council will host an event at noon next Wednesday, Aug. 25 titled “Exploring Chicago’s Riverfronts.” Panelists will include Metropolitan Planning Council manager of equity and planning Chloe Gurin-Sands, Alex Perez of the Active Transportation 

Chicago Public Schools will require all teachers to be vaccinated or submit to weekly COVID-19 tests by Oct. 15 unless they “qualify for a medical or religious exemption,” district officials announced Friday. 

The month-long “Chicago In Tune” city-sponsored music festival will get underway on Thursday, the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events announced on Friday. The network of events “will bring together iconic neighborhood venues, presenting organizations and musicians from across the city to celebrate all music genres and forms — with 575+ free and ticketed shows at more than 55 venues,” according to the announcement. More information is available online. 

The Chicago Urban League will host its Annual Golden Fellowship Dinner in person on Nov. 6, the group announced Friday. Attendees will be asked to show proof of vaccination, wear masks throughout the event and “observe appropriate social distancing.” 

Ald. Sophia King (4) shared photos of herself with other elected leaders at the Bud Billiken Parade. 

Ald. Silvana Tabares (23) wrote in her latest newsletter that she joined Ald. Raymond Lopez (15), Ald. Anthony Napolitano (41) and Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) for “bond hearings to show support for Officer French, her partner and their families...Politicians say CPD needs oversight, but the voters can now step up and be the oversight of the politicians who would rather coddle criminals than support victims and their families.” 

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) tweeted that an Amazon locker at a park in her ward “has been removed and there will be no further installations of Amazon lockers on any parks until there is a review of the process. I am still waiting to receive the contractual agreement between Amazon and the Chicago Parks District.” 

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) shared a Sun-Times article about South and West Side hospitals facing increased COVID-19 hospitalizations and tweeted, “This looks like a good place to start when we discuss appropriating ARP funds.” 

Ald. Andre Vasquez (40) used the “business highlight” section of his latest newsletter to promote Lincoln Square Barber Shop. 

Ald. Brendan Reilly (42) used his latest newsletter to highlight two development proposals set for consideration by the Chicago Plan Commission on Aug. 19: a pair of mixed-use towers with 777 residential units and 405 hotel keys at 525 S. Wabash Ave., and another pair of towers comprising 1,053 residential units at 601 W. Monroe St.  

Ald. Matt Martin (47) wrote in his latest newsletter that “Officer French's death is a tragedy, as are the deaths of the hundreds of other Chicagoans who have lost their lives this year as a result of gun violence, an epidemic that continues to affect residents of all backgrounds and from every community.” 

Cook County Comm. Scott Britton (D-14) wrote in his latest newsletter that he “visited the Wheeling Fire Department for a tour of the recently constructed Fire Station 23 facilities. This new space better addresses the needs of the department.”  

Gov. JB Pritzker on Friday announced the appointment of Robert Porter as the public administrator and public guardian of McLean County and Vicky McElroy to the Southwestern Illinois Development Authority. The governor also announced the reappointment of Jeffrey Wright to the board of directors of the Finance Authority. All three appointments require confirmation by the state Senate.  

Pritzker’s office also on Friday announced the hometowns and counties of the state’s latest COVID-19 vaccine lottery. The latest winners, which were selected during an Aug. 12 drawing, were from Boone and Winnebago counties (Region 1), Bloomington and Normal (Region 2), Christian County and Springfield (Region 3), two residents from Granite City (Region 4), Williamson and Wayne counties (Region 5), Fayette County and Urbana (Region 6), Joliet and Plainfield (Region 7), Hanover Park and Aurora (Region 8), Mundelein and Lake County (Region 9), Arlington Heights and Cook County (Region 10) and two residents from Chicago (Region 11). The final drawing from the state’s vaccine lottery will take place Aug. 18.  

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today is the 75th Indian Independence Day! I was so proud to be a part of the Federation of Indian Association's parade down Devon Avenue. We had so many candidates, elected officials, friends, and volunteers out who joined me on the float.” 

Rep. Ann Williams (D-Chicago) tweeted “Our team headed out today to Retro on Roscoe to chat with neighbors and see the festival. Thanks to @RVNeighbors for organizing another great year of this much loved community day. #11thdistrict #twill #retroonroscoe.” 

Rep. Tim Butler (R-Springfield) tweeted an image of a video gaming facility at the state fair, adding, “230 ILCS 50/Art. 30 in action.” 

Rep. Fred Crespo (D-Hoffman Estates) tweeted “Under a new law I supported, the @IllinoisIDES will collaborate w/ the Dept of Revenue to provide checks & balances in ID'ing suspected fraud in the unemployment benefits system & to prevent negative income tax consequences for anyone affected by unemployment insurance fraud.” 

Rep. Barbara Hernandez (D-Aurora) wrote about back-to-school fairs in her district in her latest newsletter.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted about an Aug. 28 job fair he is co-hosting with Bellwood Mayor Andre Harvey.

Sen. Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) tweeted “I visited various @IllinoisDNR sites with Director Colleen Callahan this morning. I enjoyed visiting the Kankakee River State Park and the Mazonia/Braidwood State Fish and Wildlife Area. Thanks for the opportunity tour these wonderful parks!”

Sen. David Koehler (D-Peoria) tweeted “This afternoon I attended a #Back2Business round table with some of our area community navigators. We discussed how we can best support a strong, equitable recovery for small businesses, especially here in Central IL. Additional meetings will be held in the future.”

Sen. Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) tweeted a link to an online application system for her to tour small businesses in her district.

Rep. Marcus Evans (D-Chicago) tweeted “HB 548 We need our private security officers to be properly trained. HB 665 Our current and future entrepreneurs need our assistant to strategize for success. This bill requires DCEO to set up centers. Gov @GovPritzker made it law.”

The Chicago Advisory Redistricting Committee, an independent group planning to submit its own proposed ward map to the City Council for consideration, is set to host a hybrid in-person and virtual public hearing beginning at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the West Side Community Triage & Wellness Center. Those interested in testifying in person or virtual can sign up online. The meeting will also be livestreamed. The committee is also scheduled to host a hybrid in-person and virtual meeting at noon Saturday at Lincoln United Methodist Church. People interested in providing public comment can register online. Saturday’s hearing will also be livestreamed.

Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6) tweeted information about a “prayer and resource walk” with the 3^rd District Community Police at 5:30 p.m. Friday at 71^st Street and St. Lawrence Avenue.

Ald. Michael Rodriguez (22) tweeted his support for Art Institute Chicago and School of the Art Institute of Chicago employees and “their voice, and their choice to form their union free from employer interference. By coming together as Art Institute of Chicago Workers United (AICWU), employees will have a say in the decisions that affect them!”

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in a tweet thread wrote “My colleagues trying to use the death of this young woman to throw dirt at the ones of us trying to transform this city should be ashamed of themselves. We have work to do to pass a budget that will fund the services we desperately need to address this violence. Hope they see it.”

Ald. Gilbert Villegas (36) tweeted that he was “glad to see funds” in the federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Deal “earmarked for the replacement of lead service lines. Chicago is home to the most lead service lines in the country. As a board member on the @leagueofcities we advocated for these types of appropriations.”

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted a live thread from the policing and public safety panel at the Youth Organizing Summit.

Ald. Maria Hadden (49) tweeted “Is that even legal?” in reference to a tweet from a Block Club reporter about Ald. Jim Gardiner (45) refusing to speak at a news conference about the Six Corners development until the reporter and photographer were forced to leave the event.

Gov. JB Pritzker and officials from the Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity on Tuesday announced the launch of a new $10 million grant program aimed at revitalizing the state’s tourism industry. The program, known as the Tourism Attraction and Festivals Grant, will be funded by the federal American Rescue Plan Act. The state issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity on Tuesday allowing tourism, festival businesses and others to submit for grants of up to $1 million. Additional details can be found on the state’s website.

Sen. Ram Villivalam (D-Chicago) issued a statement after a bill he sponsored related to family and medical leave for public school employees was signed into law by the governor on Tuesday.

Sen. Celina Villanueva (D-Chicago) tweeted “Today I joined @GovPritzker and my colleague @senvillivalam to celebrate the signing of HB 12. This new law tears down barriers to family and medical leave for public school employees by reducing the work hour requirement needed to access their earned leave.”

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted a link to a “local control petition” from Senate Republicans.

Sen. Elgie Sims (D-Chicago) tweeted a reminder about an Aug. 12 virtual workshop he’s co-hosting on women and minority contractors.

House Speaker Chris Welch (D-Hillside) tweeted “I am thrilled to see the Senate pass the bipartisan infrastructure deal. This package shows Washington can still work together, so I thank @SenatorDurbin and @SenDuckworth for their leadership and contributions to reaching across the aisle.”

Sen. Sue Rezin (R-Morris) tweeted “My heart goes out to the family of Officer Ella French as well as the other officer who was injured in the horrific Chicago area shooting. This is a tragic and senseless loss. Please keep Officer French’s family and the second officer in your prayers. #backtheblue”

Sen. Cristina Pacione-Zayas (D-Chicago) issued a statement after French’s death, saying in a tweet “This weekends tragic death of Officer Ella French in Chicago is yet another affirmation that we need to do significantly more to address the root causes of violence.”

Rep. Rita Mayfield (D-Waukegan) tweeted about a bill she introduced this session that she said would lower property taxes and put more money in classrooms, adding that she’ll refile the bill.

Rep. Joyce Mason (D-Gurnee) tweeted about a recent United Nations report about climate change, saying “This new report shows just how much damage we have already caused by burning toxic fossil fuels. It’s time to transition Illinois away from unprofitable coal plants and start investing in clean energy.”

Rep. Bob Morgan (D-Deerfield) tweeted “There is something incredibly special about the @highwoodlibrary. Today we celebrated the library being one of only 3 (yes, only 3) libraries in the entire country to earn the National Medal for Museum and Library Science. @US_IMLS So proud of this library and their staff!”4w

Ald. Brian Hopkins (2) in his latest newsletter wrote that beginning this week through May 2022, the Webster Avenue bridge will be closed from Ashland Avenue to Dominick Street. “The Department of Transportation will be reconstructing existing bridge structural steel, bridge approach, bridge houses, roadway lighting, and ADA ramps,” Hopkins wrote, adding one sidewalk will remain open at all times.

Ald. George Cardenas (12) tweeted “Property taxes has become a hot button issue for a good reason. An unfair process and one without transparency will be a disaster for cook county residents and it’s economy. #cardenasforcook.”

Ald. Matt O’Shea (19) tweeted information about a “Support the Police Prayer Rally” he is hosting at 6 p.m. Wednesday at the 22^nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey Ave.

Ald. Michael Scott (24) tweeted information about a “community planning session” for the Altenheim/Lawndale Line, “a two-mile sectional of the elevated rail that lies between Taylor Street and Filmore Street from California Ave. to Kostner Ave.” The community planning session is set for 5:30 p.m. Thursday at the Douglass Park Field House.

Ald. Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez (33) in a thread tweeted “The loss of life is tragic and tragedy is a daily occurrence in this city. We should remember that the violence we are experiencing didn’t come out of nowhere, it’s the result of a deep crisis that has economic roots. Decades of policy failures that widened the gap between”

Ald. Matt Martin (47) tweeted “As we begin to recover from covid-19, we must build a climate resilient city - starting with investments this budget season.”

Ald. Debra Silverstein (50) tweeted “Today is an official day of mourning for Chicago as we grieve for Police Officer Ella French, who laid her life down in service to our city. My deepest sympathies go out to her family, her loved ones, and the entire Chicago Police Department.”